Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-02-03

their giggling. usually followed closely.
Nellie was the principals assistant,
Matte and Miss Griller laugh: on the
second floor, and Emily Knox and my.
self, primary teachers. occupied the
lower rooms. How the children loved
Mr.. Swazee! He was. indeed. kind and
gracious and considerable with them,
with all save me.
One morning / was early, reaching
the schOol-house before time for open
ing the doors. Nellie Melville was be-
fore me. She sat on the doorstep with
rapt look ON her face, though her
eyes were turned precisely in the direc-
ton OF an old mill chimney that was
far enough from beautiful, and her chin
resting in her hand. The morning was
rather cool for displaying the arm, but
in lieu thereof l saw wondrouslv tit
ting high glove in which it was en-
caSed.
che has not yet come: she is waiting
and posing for him." thought l. She
did not change her attitude in the least
as drew near. l had 4 lecture in store
for her. and, thinking better time for
its delivery might not soon present
itself, said:
"Nellie, You remember telling me.
long ago, that YOU were affianced to
Monroe Stewart"
Yes, and so am. 1 hope YOU don't
mean to say any thing against Monroe;
you really look quite bristling." q
was sure she had not taken her eyes off
shat mill chimney. "Monroe's fine,
good fellow. and worth $4,000, and We
mean to be married within year,
cit is not of him that l wish to speak.
Do you think it right to tritle with
the feelings of Mr.. Swazee when you
mean to marry another man."
"What," said she, with pleased
laugh, changing her attitude to one
more natural and less becoming, ''dO
you think he is getting serious?"
Il certainly do think so, Nellie. You
ought to know better than any one else;
you ought not to encourage false hopes. :"
''Dear me, do you think ought to
wear badge labelling myself 'taken?'
Your notions Of honor are very fine, in
deed. May ask if there is personal
reason for this interference? Perhaps
you are being hurt more than MIR. Swa-
zee"
With these words on her lips, and
not waiting for a reply, Nellie rose and
went to meet Matte Merlin, who was
seen coming over the stile leading to
the schOol-grOunds. As she left the
step there was rattle of keys and the
door swung back, revealing Mr.. Swa-
zee standing just within. Had he heard?
My cheeks burned as l crossed the
Threshold. When l had mustered
courage to lift my eyes they encount-
cred an amused sparkle in his, and
leaning toward me he said, in a low
tone:
''Do not be troubled for me, Miss
Alternately, guard my heart with
special care this winter
l gazed up at him while he was
speaking, my cheeks growing hotter
and hotter, and then turned and fled
to my room, closing the door after me.
Fortunately, there were no pupils pres
ent. / flung myself into a chair and
broke into passionate sobs. Had he
suspected my love? If not, what meant
that look of mingled comprehension
and amusement in his eyes? Would
he think me fussing, meddling busy
body? With such questions did l
torment myself. 1t was with difficulty
that could calm myself in time for the
days duties. Twas scarcely conscious
of what l did. l was brought to my
senses short time before noon by the
piping of shrill voice in a far corner.
1t belonged to very audacious but
very well-intentioned small boy.
Teacher" it said, ''we're actin up
awful to-day you don't care, do you
Mollie Embers says you've got the
contumshun to-day and don't care a
shoestring if we pull the roof down"
Glancing up, wide awake now, saw
the little man standing in the aisle with
a paper cap on his head, and clinging
to his arm was a very young lady
arrayed in hat and shawl.
"What were you and Noble about to
do?" l inquired.
'We's just married. Bob Finnegan,
he married us, and we's gOin' off on
cur wedding trip"
And where did You get your we'd
ding clothes?" l asked, with the great
est gravity.
"Oh. we got engaged at recess, and
we brought in the shawl and things
when the bell rung!'
Again after the close of the school l
watched for Mr.. Swazee's step on the
stair. If only the other teachers
would 90 first! They did. As he was
the steps l left my door
and advanced to the balustrade.
Mr.. Swazee," I said, "will you
enter my room a moment?"
Certainly, Miss Alternately"
could not look up. He walked in